Evaluation of Transdermal Fentanyl Patch vs. Intravenous Tramadol for PostoperativePain Management in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (Code-T0314)

Introduction: Effective postoperative pain management is essential for optimal recovery
following laparoscopic hysterectomy. Traditional intravenous analgesics such as tramadol are
widely used, but transdermal fentanyl patches (TFP) have emerged as an alternative with
potential benefits in sustained pain control and reduced side effects. This study compares the
efficacy of TFP with intravenous tramadol in managing postoperative pain and recovery
parameters.
Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy, ambulation, sedation,
and side effects of transdermal fentanyl patches (TFP) and intravenous tramadol in patients
undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Methods: A randomized study was conducted on 40 patients undergoing laparoscopic
hysterectomy, divided into two groups: Group F (TFP 25 μg/hour applied 10–12 hours before
surgery) and Group T (intravenous tramadol 50–100 mg twice daily). Pain severity was assessed
using a numeric rating scale (NRS) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Ambulation,
sedation, and nausea/vomiting scores were also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to
determine the significance of differences between the groups.
Results: TFP provided significantly superior pain relief at 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively
(p<0.001), with comparable scores at 48 hours. Ambulation was better in the fentanyl group,
while nausea and vomiting were significantly lower (p<0.001). Sedation scores showed no
significant difference.
Conclusion: TFP is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to intravenous tramadol,
providing superior early postoperative pain control, better ambulation, and fewer side effects in
patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Keywords: Transdermal fentanyl, postoperative pain, laparoscopic hysterectomy, tramadol,
analgesia, pain management.